Academy Review - Week 24
Written by Ian Tilley & Holly Porter Upcoming Fixtures – Week commencing 3rd February 2025
Wednesday 5th February
12:00 - Slough Town U19 v Woking U19; National League Academy – South Division
Arbour Park Community Sports Stadium, Stoke Road, SL2 5AY
13:30 – Barking v Woking U17; National League Alliance – Division E
Barking Abbey School (Longbridge Campus), IG11 8UF
Thursday 6th February
19:30 – Woking U18 v Walton & Hersham FC U18; Isthmian League – Central Division
Knaphill FC, Redding Way
For up-to-date information on fixtures please refer to the Woking Football Club Academy X (twitter) page.
Information is also available on the fulltime.thefa.com website.
Match Reports and Team Details – Week commencing 27th January 2025
Monday 27th January
Leatherhead U18 2 - 3 Woking U18; Isthmian League – Central Division
River Lane, Leatherhead
Report from Ian Tilley
A result to maintain Woking’s interest towards the top of the league, although Walton & Hersham, Kingstonian and Metropolitan Police all have games in hand, with Met. Police remaining top with a 1 - 0 win at South Park on the same evening.
At River Lane kick-off was delayed for 30 minutes. A torrential downpour just as the players were ready to start saw them retreat to the changing rooms, with the threat of lightening and the need to remove excess water from the pitch keeping them there until 8.15, and leading to an unusual agreement. With the knowledge that there is a curfew on the lights both sides knew they would play as much of the game as possible, with the score at ‘lights-out’ standing.
With Thomas Ward and Joel Jennison-Leppa completing their graduated returns following concussion injuries, Woking continued with four at the back against a Leatherhead side they had beaten 5 – 1 in the return fixture in November.
The early exchanges were largely in midfield, although a lapse in concentration nearly cost Woking defensively, and Jack Tricker’s enterprising run forward suggested Woking may gain the upper hand. But it was Leatherhead who took the lead on 19 minutes. Dan Rumbold striking a free-kick from the edge of the ‘D’ too accurately in to the bottom corner for Aaron Zziwa’s outstretched hand to reach.
Two minutes later the hosts doubled their lead. A neat one-two between Jonny Carter and Anex Varghese put Carter through to finish in to the bottom corner from 8 yards. The scoreline perhaps not what was anticipated, but not against the run of play.
Woking responded by moving Jalil Page to a more central attacking role, with Hayden Vally moving to the right-side of the offensive line. Woking were gaining the upper hand, with Louie Boyle, Vally and Page all pressing forwards well.
Woking got a goal back on 38 minutes. Page had done well to get on the ball and run through on goal before forcing a save out of Adam Withers, and as play continued Frankie Bushby was fouled in the area and a penalty awarded. Bushby took the kick himself, a well-hit effort down the middle, with Withers diving to his left.
Woking threatened again before half-time. A Will Ledbury pass nearly putting Page through before the defender recovered, and Ollie Rigby’s great ball to Tricker just deflected for a corner.
Half-time: Leatherhead 2 – 1 Woking
With half-time cut short to maximise how much of the game could be played, we were soon back underway, Woking taking Ledbury and Tricker off, replacing them with Roshan Kigozi and Seyi Akinwalere. A subtle change to formation giving Leatherhead new problems to deal with.
After 49 minutes Page was removed, and Jojo Ampah introduced, a straight swap at the head of the attack. Woking’s dominance continued and they had their equaliser on 56 minutes. Rigby hit a fine pass forward to defeat the offside trap, and Kigozi, on the right wing, gained ground before crossing for Ampah to run in and knock the ball home from six yards.
Five minutes later another fine Rigby pass gave Ampah another chance, but Withers was able to close the angle and block the shot. As the game became end-to-end Varghese went close for Leatherhead with a header which went narrowly wide, but Woking were looking stronger, with Amario Malhotra more dominant in midfield, and the pressure on the Tanners was growing.
Woking scored the winner on 83 minutes. Boyle won a free-kick which Bushby crossed to the far post, where the ball dropped to Ampah who was able to scramble home for his second goal of the evening.
With time running out it was a surprise to see Leatherhead make a double substitution, but more understandable that Woking introduced Joe Scanlon, also giving them a little more security in midfield. With the game into the 89th minute the anticipated ‘lights-out’ came, and the victory belonged to the young Cards.
Leatherhead: Adam Withers, Jonny Carter, Dylan Clift, Ron Spinks ©, James McLeod, Skye Graham, Anex Varghese (Isaac Nurse 86), Ryley Merrett, Louie Prendergast, Dan Rumbold, Leo Hams (Ronnie Green 86). Unused substitutes: Harrison Tallon, Josh Deeprose, Sam Newton.
Goals: Rumbold 19, Carter 21.
Woking: Aaron Zziwa, Louie Boyle ©, Ollie Rigby, Dillan Davies, Joe Frawley, Amario Malhotra, Will Ledbury (Roshan Kigozi 46), Jalil Page (Jojo Ampah 49), Frankie Bushby, Jack Tricker (Seyi Akinwalere 46), Hayden Vally (Joe Scanlon 88). Unused substitute: James Moore (GK).
Goals: Bushby 38 (pen), Ampah 56, 83.
Referee: Daniel Bright, Assistant 1: Roger Wells, Assistant 2: Montgomery Watson-Price.
Wednesday 29th January
Woking U19 3 – 0 Welling United U19; National League Academy – South Division
Woking College, Rydens Way
Report from Holly Porter
Fresh after a week off, the u19s started the game strongly against Welling United, who are coached by ex-Card Sid Nelson, with a big chance to open the scoring in just the 2nd minute. Mitchell put a good ball into the box, which searched for Christophers. Balogun, however, denied the home side an early lead, diving on the ball before Christophers could get there.
It was not long, however, before the Cards broke the deadlock. Involved again, Mitchell went forward from a Mason pass and eyed up a cross from the right-hand side. His cross first hit the front post, before it bounced on the turf and crossed the line, which gave his side the lead.
Welling grew into the game, and had a good chance in the 12th minute from a free kick. The set-piece was headed goalward, but Verga came out to claim the danger.
This wasn’t the only time that Verga was called into action in the first 15. In the 13th minute, a poor back pass saw Welling go through on goal, but Verga excellently came out and met the shot, protecting the lead. Straight back down the other end, Mitchell flashed a dangerous ball across the face of the goal as Woking searched for their second.
The closest Welling came to an equaliser in the first 30 minutes saw Verga troubled again in the 22nd minute. The shot from the edge of the box from the travelling side was met by the fingertips of Verga, who tipped it over the bar. The subsequent corner went over the top and out, having created little threat on the Woking goal.
In a spell of positive play from Welling, Verga was forced to make a save once again. A free shot in the box from the travelling side was well met by Verga whose view of the effort was somewhat obstructed. Having dived the right way, Verga caught the ball into his chest and held the ball well before he restarted the Woking attack.
In the 28th minute, Nyako was brought down midway into the Woking half, which presented another opportunity for the travelling side to get level. Obilana took the set-piece, and Silverstein cleared on the far side before the ball could become a threat on Verga’s goal.
Shortly after the 30 minute-mark, Woking had a couple of chances which could have doubled their lead. In the 31st minute, Pask drove into the box and won a corner for his side. A short corner was played, with the eventual ball into the box being driven into the arms of Balogun. Moments later, McDonald went close with an effort from range, but the shot went just wide of the bottom corner.
In the 36th minute, Welling went close again, this time Obilana’s effort smashed into the side netting from a tight angle.
Having already looked dangerous from corner kicks, Pask forced fingertip contact from Balogun from another corner in the 42nd minute, and the ball fell to Silverstein at the back post who earned another corner.
Although nothing came from the resulting corner, Woking got their second just a minute later, with an effort from Kyle. From close range, Kyle turned in Scott’s cross (after Mason had done well in midfield), with a touch from the keeper not enough to stop the Cards, who extended their lead just before the break.
This was not the last chance of the half, however, for Woking, who went close to a third in the 1st minute of added time. Mitchell took a quick throw-in to Kyle, who played in Pask, whose contact sent the ball over the bar in a threatening move from Woking.
Half-time: Woking 2 – 0 Welling United
Welling opened the chances for the second half, with Diawara going close just after the restart. Having picked up a through ball that split the defence, he was put under pressure from Gardner who had tracked back and picked up the danger, with the shot being fired over the bar.
Woking had their chances too, In the 47th minute, Kyle met the ball in the air and headed forward for Pask who chased down, but Balogun got their first. Moments later, Christophers had a chance on the far side, but the shot went over the bar, which left the scoreline unchanged despite an eventful opening to the half.
The closest that Woking came to their third in the opening 10 minutes of the second half was Pask’s free kick in the 53rd minute, which Mitchell had done well to win. Pask almost squeezed the ball into the bottom corner, having done well to get the ball past the defence. Balongun, however, was equal to it, doing well to get down to his left and hold the ball.
The next big chance for Woking to make it three came in the 61st minute when Mitchell went close at the back post. A deep ball over the top was met on the volley by Mitchell, but the promising move ended with the ball over the top of the crossbar.
Young looked set to get his name on the scoresheet after he replaced McDonald. In the 71st minute, Christophers’ ball was picked up by Young, who shot from the edge of the box, but once again Balogun was equal to it.
In the 79th minute, Welling thought they had one back, as a ball over the top of the defence was headed in by Diawara. Woking, however, held their line well, and the flag went up on the near side, which indicated offside.
In his last involvement of the game, Mitchell produced a clever piece of play which called the travelling ‘keeper into action again. A brilliant header from Mitchell nodded the ball away from the defender and into his path towards goal. Balogun reacted quickly, however, and came out to eliminate the threat.
A late goal from Kyle secured all three points for the Cards. Brook was immediately involved from the bench, picking up Lewis’ pass and making ground before putting in a low ball which Kyle turned high into the net from the goalmouth in the 2nd minute of injury time.
An impressive display from the young Cards not only saw three goals but also a clean sheet despite high pressure from Welling, as the u19s extended their unbeaten start to 2025.
Academy Manager Matt Winter reacted to the game, saying: “We’re delighted, the challenge for the boys after Christmas, like we said before, was to try and build a run of form, which we didn’t really have in the first half of the season. So, the fact we’ve backed up wins against Dorking, and a tough draw against Boreham Wood, with a 3-0 win today is excellent.”
Woking Line-up: Mikey Verga, Ryan Scott, James Orton (Jack Lewis 84’), Ollie Mason, Tom Gardner ©, Aidy Silverstein, Ben Mitchell (Harvey Brook 90+1’), Leo Christophers, Stanley Kyle, Henry McDonald (JJ Young 65’), Louis Pask (Seyi Akinwalere 74’). Unused Substitute: George Galea-Elston.
Goals: Mitchell 5, Kyle 43, 90+2.
Welling United Lineup: Peter Balogun, Devontae Campbell, Joseph Freeman ©, Elijah Sontan (Ramon Elliot 64’), Uziel Bateki, Nigel Nyako, Tomi Obilana, Rafael Da Mata (Yohan Filliez, 46’), Mecca Samuels (Gabriel Darby 68’), Maksym Trush, Sekou Diawara. Unused Substitute: Rahmel Ellington.
Referee: Garry Patey.
Thursday 30th January
Woking U21 1 - 2 Harrow Borough U23; Suburban Football League – Premier Division
Knaphill FC, Redding Way
Report from Ian Tilley
A rather disrupted preparation day for Woking, with a number of players becoming unavailable in the 24 hours before the game, led to extra thought being given to managing game-time, a greater than usual role for first years in this league, and a run-out for Assistant Manager James Clarke. These factors, along with events that would unfold, led to a rather scrappy and disjointed game, but one which Woking could still have won.
Harrow Borough’s preparation was also disrupted, arriving just 35 minutes before kick-off with just two outfield substitutes, a situation which would become more significant as the evening progressed.
In a game with few real chances, and players not making the most of opportunities which came their way, it was the visitors who would make the first breakthrough, on 35 minutes. Mostafa Jawad’s cross was flicked on by Nasir Sharifi, and Rueben Whittaker arrived at the far post to strike home a fine volley which gave ‘keeper Bob Honey no chance of making a save.
Woking responded well, and came close to equalising on 39 minutes. Jojo Ampah won a corner, and JJ Young’s kick led to an incredible goalmouth scramble, but Harrow were able to block all of Woking’s efforts, before the final attempt hit the side netting. Woking continued to press, but could not find the elusive equaliser before the break.
Half-time: Woking 0 – 1 Harrow Borough
Woking made a change for the second-half, Clarke’s on-field work for the evening done, with Roshan Kigozi coming on and Harvey Brook moving to a more central role. Harrow also used both of their replacements.
The first meaningful action of the half saw Brook chasing through the middle and ‘keeper Albi Laci coming out bravely to block the threat. Although accidental, a contact with Laci’s head led to a 14-minute break whilst the appropriate level of care was given. Our best wishes go with Albi, who was at least able to walk from the pitch before going for the necessary hospital observations.
Harrow thus continued with ten players, with substitute Nehemiah Kargbo taking up a role he was not expecting, as goalkeeper. There was anticipation that circumstances would see Woking get back into the game and have a very real chance of going on to clinch victory, and this soon looked likely to be the case.
Within two minutes of the re-start Louie Boyle set up Sam Brittain for a shot from the edge of the area, and whilst a usual custodian may well have saved the low drive, the ball somehow found its way past the unfortunate Kargbo and in to the net.
However, the expected ongoing dominance of the Cards failed to materialise, and it was Harrow who would re-take the lead after 65 minutes of playing time. Ex-Woking Academy forward K-Jay Bailey making the most of a mistake in the Woking defence, intercepting Honey’s pass to Jack Lewis and firing in to the bottom corner before Honey could reset.
Woking sought their second equaliser of the evening, but could not take their chances, and were also thwarted by some good goalkeeping from Kargbo.
Even though the amount of time to be played was obviously much longer than usual, with 24 minutes ultimately added, Woking could not get themselves back into the game, and were left with a frustrating defeat and the gap to leaders Bromley looking larger than ever.
Woking: Bob Honey, Jack Lewis, George Galea-Elston, Joel Jennison-Leppa, Louie Boyle, JJ Young ©, Bobby Lawrence (Frankie Bushby 67), Sam Brittain, James Clark (Roshan Kigozi 46), Harvey Brook, Jojo Ampah. Unused substitutes: Aaron Sings, Saadiq Bangura-Kerr.
Goal: Brittain 62.
Harrow Borough: Albi Laci, Nasir Sharifi, Rueben Whittaker, Rory Williams (Malakai McKenzie 46), Yannick Bamba, Finn Eames-Illingworth, Hugo Hill, Kooshan Hayati, Ezekiel Romain, K-Jay Bailey ©, Mostafa Jawad (Nehemiah Kargbo 46).
Goals: Whittaker 35, Bailey 79.
Referee: Ronald Albert.
Loan (Dual Registered Players) watch:
Saturday 1st February
Lucas Boxall, Midfield, 2nd year – Sheerwater: Started on the substitutes’ bench for the 2 – 2 draw against Epsom & Ewell in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division South (Step 5).
Ellis Byrne, Central Midfield, 2nd year - Knaphill: Came on after 50 minutes of the 0 – 3 defeat at Alton in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division South (Step 5).
Tom Dryer, Forward, 2nd year – Westfield: Came on as a 65th minute substitute in the 1 – 1 draw at Hayes & Yeading United in the Isthmian League - South Central Division (Step 4).
Lui Edwards, Forward, 4th year – Westfield: Not involved in the 1 – 1 draw at Hayes & Yeading United in the Isthmian League - South Central Division (Step 4).
Ethan Gold, Defender, 3rd year – Binfield: The match against Hartley Wintney in the Isthmian League - South Central Division (Step 4) was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Bob Honey, Goalkeeper, 2nd year – Kingstonian: The match against Southall in the Isthmian League - South Central Division (Step 4) was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Stanley Kyle, Forward, 2nd year – Sandhurst Town: Started on the substitutes’ bench for the 2 – 2 draw against Chipstead in the Combined Counties League - Premier Division South (Step 5).
Oliver Mason, Central Midfield, 3rd year – Ascot United: Came on as an 82nd minute substitute in the 2 – 0 victory over Harrow Borough in the Isthmian League - South Central Division (Step 4).
Henry McDonald, Centre Midfield, 3rd year – Sheerwater: Started on the substitutes’ bench for the 2 – 2 draw against Epsom & Ewell in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division South (Step 5).
Ben Mitchell, Forward, 3rd year - Knaphill: Was not involved in the 0 – 3 defeat at Alton in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division South (Step 5).
Byron Mitchell, Forward, 2nd year – Sheerwater: Played the first 61 minutes of the 2 – 2 draw against Epsom & Ewell in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division South (Step 5).
Louis Pask, Midfielder, 2nd year – Camberley Town: The match against Fleet Town in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division South (Step 5) was postponed due to Fleet Town’s involvement in the FA Vase.
Harry White, Goalkeeper, 2nd year – Sandhurst Town: Played the full game of the 2 – 2 draw against Chipstead in the Combined Counties League - Premier Division South (Step 5).